Under the Human Rights Law in New York, every citizen has an “equal opportunity to enjoy a full and productive life.”

This law protects you from discrimination in areas such as employment, education, credit, and purchasing or renting a home or commercial space based on your:

Race

Creed

Color

National origin

Sexual orientation

Military status

Sex

Age

Marital status

Domestic violence victim status

Disability

Pregnancy-related condition

Predisposing genetic characteristics

Prior arrest or conviction record

Familial status

Retaliation for opposing unlawful discriminatory practices

Gender identity, transgender status, and gender dysphoria are covered as sex discrimination and may be covered as disability discrimination

If someone feels they have been discriminated against they can file a complaint with the Division of Human Rights. Once a complaint is filed, the Division of Human Rights will investigate and may present the case in a public hearing.

Follow this step by step process to file a complaint with the Division of Human Rights.

Fill out the complaint form, answering all of the questions and sign the form. If possible, type the form. If you are filling out the form by hand, please print.

After you fill out the form, have it notarized. Notary services are available at the Division free of charge.

Attach copies of any documents that you think will help the Division investigate the case (pay stub, letter of termination, performance evaluation disciplinary notice, etc).

Return the completed complaint form to the regional office nearest you. You may return the complaint by postal mail or personal delivery. You may also email your complaint to complaints@dhr.ny.gov, or fax it to (718) 741-8322.

Keep a copy of your complaint and copies of any documents you attach for your own records.

If you are a domestic worker, employed in the home or residence of another person for the
purposes of housekeeping, childcare, companionship, or any other domestic service purpose, and have been discriminated against, download the below form and mail it to the nearest regional office.

If you are unable to access the complaint form, please call at 1-888-392-3644.

If you are blind or a person with a vision disability, you can contact John Herrion at 718-741-8332 or john.herrion@dhr.ny.gov to receive the form in an alternative format, including Braille in English or Spanish.